Jean Tarpley

September 15, 1925 - February 21, 2013

TARPLEY, Jean Morris, 87, died on Thursday, February 21, 2013 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Tarpley; and her parents, Robert C. "Cleveland" and Bessie Morris. She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Sue T. Apirian, Elizabeth A. Tarpley, and Amy T. Strong; brother, C. Garland Dempsey; three grandchildren, Brittney and Chloe Strong and Colin Harding; as well as three great-grandchildren. Jean served The T. C. Williams School of Law for 39 years from 1951 until her retirement in 1990. She became the law school's first Director of Admissions in 1972 and was fondly known as "Dean Jean." She was dearly beloved by legions of students and alumni who regarded her as their law school mother. Jean was responsible for opening the door to their future for thousands of young people who aspired to a legal career. The University of Richmond flag will fly at half-staff from Monday, February 25 through Wednesday, February 27 in recognition of Jean's passing. Family will receive friends at the University of Richmond Law School from 2 to 5 Sunday, February 24. A funeral service will be held at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, 1 p.m. Monday, February 25, followed by burial at Riverview Cemetery, 1401 Randolph Street in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Jean Morris Tarpley Scholarship Fund at the University of Richmond School of Law, 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, Va. 23173 or to Camp ACCOVAC, c/o Josie Denius, 4791 Nicely Town Rd., Clifton Forge, Va. 24422.